This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:00 Meet at Hotel
- Move to Lake Ashi by Hakone bus
- 09:45- 11:00 Hakone Shrine
- 11:00 – 12:00 Tea Break at Cafe
- 12:10-12:35 Pirate bout cruise
- 12:35 Ropeway to Owakudani valley
- 12:55 -13:30 Owakudani Valley
- Move to Open air museum by Ropeway, Cable Car, Mountain Train
- 14:15 – 15:30 Open air museum
- Move back to hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hakone Shrine at 09:45, Pirate bout cruise at 12:10, Ropeway to Owakudani valley at 12:35, Owakudani Valley at 12:55 and Open air museum at 14:15.
Public transport for the day came to 6,000JPY per person.
What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The morning began with rain, but since the forecast predicted clear skies in the afternoon, I changed the plan to a clockwise Hakone route. In the morning we visited the beautiful Hakone Shrine in the drizzling rain, and while waiting for the weather to improve, the guests enjoyed their favorite espresso and sweets at a lakeside cafe. The guests were visitors from Africa.
They traveled comfortably in first class on the cruise ship and enjoyed a smooth journey through the sky on the ropeway.
Unfortunately Mount Fuji was not visible, but they thoroughly enjoyed the black eggs and carefully appreciated each sculpture at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, spending a fulfilling time.
Since we were heading in the same direction on the way back, I saw them off at the Hotel, provided guidance on where to have dinner and on transportation for the following day, and concluded the tour.
A notable stop on the tour was the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Opened in 1969, it is Japan's first open-air art museum, set against the natural landscape of the Hakone mountains. The museum displays a wide range of sculptures and installations across its spacious grounds, including works by renowned artists, and also features a dedicated pavilion housing a large collection of pieces by Pablo Picasso. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the outdoor exhibits while taking in the surrounding scenery, and there is also a natural hot spring foot bath on the premises where guests can relax.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Odawara～Odawara | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hakone Shrine, Pirate bout cruise, Ropeway to Owakudani valley, Owakudani Valley and Open air museum.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 6,000JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yosh is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi I am Yosh, very nice to meet you!
I am a tour guide around Tokyo and surrounding areas including Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji area with qualification of nationwide professional tour guiding.
I have been practicing Japanese martial arts, Karate and Aikido, from my childhood and I teach kids and beginners at Dojo school as an instructor.
From my background I am especially into a tour guiding about Samurai, Sumo and Zen style temples deeply related with Japanese martial arts.
I was born, raised and live in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture for over 50 years, so I am familiar with Tokyo capital area and I can arrange the free choice tour for you based on your taste and interest.
I also want you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and Sake at traditional or modern restaurants as part of Japanese precious culture experience.
I really like my profession of tour guide because I am always shared with happy emotion of the guests through the tour.
I am really look forward to seeing you soon!
Yosh
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo…
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo with Yosh was like being shown around town by an old friend. Yosh was great company and fun to be with. He planned our route well, was informative, offered thoughtful suggestions that were always spot on, found a great lunch place and went out of his way to get us on the right train at the end of the tour. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. The Meiji Shrine was a highlight.
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative…
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative and flexible responding to the weather and what we wanted to do.
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our…
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our host Yosh while in Tokyo. Yosh took the time to develop our tour based on our interests. He provided history and background to all the places we visited, seamlessly guided through the route. Highly recommend his professional services. It was the perfect tour to start our visit to Japan
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful…
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful Japanese gardens and seeing a temple. Our guide
was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend.